Thembinkosi Lorch is a South African professional soccer player who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team. Lorch was born on July 22, 1993, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. He began his professional career with Maluti FET College before moving to the Orlando Pirates, where he spent five seasons and became one of the most exciting players in the South African Premier Soccer League.
Lorch is known for his impressive dribbling skills, pace, and ability to score crucial goals. He was named the South African Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season in 2019, after helping Orlando Pirates reach the final of the CAF Champions League. In January 2024, he signed with Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the most successful clubs in South African football history.
Key Takeaways
- Thembinkosi Lorch is a talented South African attacking midfielder who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team.
- Lorch is known for his impressive dribbling skills, pace, and ability to score crucial goals.
- He was named the South African Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season in 2019 and signed with Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2024.
Early Life and Career
Birth and Family Background
Thembinkosi Lorch was born on July 22, 1993, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. He grew up in a football-loving family, with his father being a former player and coach. Lorch’s passion for football started at a young age and he would often play with his brothers and friends in the streets of his hometown.
Youth Career and Development
Lorch started his youth career at the Stars of Africa Academy, a renowned football academy in South Africa. He quickly caught the eye of scouts and was signed by the development team of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) club, Chippa United, at the age of 18.
Lorch made his professional debut for Chippa United in the 2013/14 season, but it was during his loan spell at Cape Town All Stars in the National First Division (NFD) that he really made a name for himself. He scored 11 goals in 22 appearances for the club, helping them secure promotion to the PSL.
After his loan spell, Lorch returned to Chippa United but struggled to establish himself in the first team. He was then loaned out to National First Division side, Maluti FET College, where he scored 6 goals in 16 appearances.
In 2015, Lorch joined the PSL club, Orlando Pirates, where he spent four seasons. He made 105 appearances for the club, scoring 21 goals and providing 16 assists. During his time at Orlando Pirates, Lorch won the Telkom Knockout Cup in 2018 and was named the South African Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season in 2019.
In January 2024, Lorch signed for Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the biggest clubs in South Africa. He made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut for the club and helping them win the league title in his first season.
Club Career
Mamelodi Sundowns
Thembinkosi Lorch joined Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2024, signing a contract with the club. He plays as an attacking midfielder for the club and has been a key player since his arrival. Lorch’s technical ability, pace, and work rate make him a valuable asset to the team. He has played a crucial role in helping the club win several titles.
Previous Clubs
Before joining Mamelodi Sundowns, Lorch played for Orlando Pirates. He joined the club in 2015 and quickly established himself as one of the team’s most talented players. During his time at Orlando Pirates, Lorch won several individual awards, including the PSL Footballer of the Season and the PSL Players’ Player of the Season in 2019.
Notable Achievements with Mamelodi
Since joining Mamelodi Sundowns, Lorch has helped the club win several titles, including the PSL, the Nedbank Cup, and the CAF Champions League. He has also been named the PSL Player of the Season and the PSL Players’ Player of the Season. Lorch’s performances have helped Mamelodi Sundowns establish themselves as one of the best teams in South Africa and Africa as a whole.
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International Career
Thembinkosi Lorch has yet to make his international debut, but he has shown great potential at the club level. He has participated in some international events, including the CAF Confederation Cup, a club association football competition organized by the CAF since 2004 [1].
National Team Debut
Despite his impressive performances in the South African Premier Soccer League and being named the South African Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season in 2019, Lorch has not yet received a call-up to the national team [1]. However, he remains optimistic about his chances of representing his country and is working hard to make it happen.
Key Performances
Lorch’s standout performances for Mamelodi Sundowns have caught the attention of many, and he is widely regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in South Africa. In the 2023/24 season, he played a crucial role in helping Sundowns win the league title, scoring 12 goals and providing 8 assists [2].
Lorch’s ability to create chances and score goals has made him a fan favorite, and he has been praised by pundits and fellow players alike. His impressive performances have also attracted interest from clubs outside of South Africa, and there have been rumors linking him with moves abroad [3].
Overall, Thembinkosi Lorch’s international career is yet to take off, but his performances at the club level suggest that he has the potential to become a key player for the South African national team in the future.
Playing Style and Position
Position and Role
Thembinkosi Lorch is a versatile attacking midfielder who can play on either wing or as a central attacking midfielder. He is known for his ability to create chances and score goals, as well as his work rate and defensive contribution. Lorch is equally comfortable playing in a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2 formation, and his versatility allows him to adapt to different tactical systems.
At Mamelodi Sundowns, Lorch has been deployed primarily as a left winger, where he can use his pace and dribbling ability to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities. He is also capable of cutting inside onto his stronger right foot and shooting from distance, making him a dangerous attacking threat from a variety of positions.
Skills and Attributes
Lorch’s technical ability is one of his greatest strengths. He is an excellent dribbler with quick feet and good close control, allowing him to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. He also has good vision and passing ability, which enables him to create chances for his teammates.
In addition to his attacking qualities, Lorch is also a hard-working and disciplined player who contributes defensively. He is not afraid to track back and help out his teammates in defense, and his work rate and tenacity make him an asset to any team.
Overall, Thembinkosi Lorch is a talented and versatile attacking midfielder who possesses a range of technical and tactical qualities. His ability to play in multiple positions and adapt to different tactical systems makes him a valuable asset to Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team.
Off-the-Field
Philanthropy and Community Work
Thembinkosi Lorch is known for his philanthropic work and his dedication to giving back to his community. He has been involved in several charitable initiatives, including the distribution of food and clothing to the less fortunate. Lorch has also been a strong advocate for education, and has donated funds to help underprivileged children get access to quality education.
Lorch has also been actively involved in community development projects. He has been instrumental in the development of several sports facilities in his hometown of Bloemfontein, providing young people with a platform to develop their skills in various sports.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
As one of the most popular footballers in South Africa, Thembinkosi Lorch has attracted several endorsements and sponsorships throughout his career. He is currently sponsored by Puma, who provide him with all his football equipment. Lorch has also been involved in several advertising campaigns for various companies, including Coca-Cola and Nike.
Despite his success, Lorch remains humble and grounded, and is committed to using his platform to make a positive impact in his community.
Statistics and Records
Club Statistics
Thembinkosi Lorch is a South African professional soccer player who plays as an attacking midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns FC. He joined the club in January 2024 and has been an integral part of the team ever since. Lorch is known for his quick feet, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals from anywhere on the field.
In the 2023/2024 season, Lorch has made 9 appearances for Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premier Soccer League, scoring 0 goals and providing 1 assist. He has also made 1 appearance in the CAF Champions League, playing for a total of 682 minutes.
International Records
Thembinkosi Lorch has represented the South African national team on multiple occasions. He made his debut for the national team in 2018 and has since become a regular member of the squad.
Lorch played a crucial role in South Africa’s victory in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring the winning goal in the quarterfinals against Egypt. He was also named the South African Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season in the same year.
Overall, Thembinkosi Lorch’s statistics and records demonstrate his talent and skill on the field. He continues to be a key player for both Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team.
Awards and Honors
Individual Awards
Thembinkosi Lorch has received numerous individual awards throughout his career. In 2019, he was named the South African Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season, as well as the Orlando Pirates Player of the Season. He was also awarded the Goal of the Season for his stunning strike against Baroka FC in the Telkom Knockout final.
In addition, Lorch has been named in the Premier Soccer League Team of the Season for the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 seasons. He has also received nominations for the CAF African Player of the Year and the FIFA Puskas Award for his goal against Baroka FC.
Team Honors
Lorch has helped his teams achieve success on the field. He won the Telkom Knockout with Orlando Pirates in 2018, scoring the winning goal in the final. He has also won the Nedbank Cup with the same team in 2020.
In addition, Lorch won the South African Premier Division with Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023. He was an integral part of the team that won the league title, contributing with his goals and assists.
Overall, Thembinkosi Lorch has established himself as one of the best players in South Africa, both individually and as part of a team. His talent and dedication have earned him numerous accolades, and he continues to be a key player for both Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team.
Personal Life
Thembinkosi Lorch was born on July 22, 1993, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. He grew up in a family of football enthusiasts, which is where he developed his passion for the sport. Lorch is known for being a private person, and he keeps his personal life away from the public eye.
Lorch is a devoted Christian and often thanks God for his success on the field. He is also a family man and spends a lot of his free time with his loved ones. Despite his busy schedule, Lorch makes sure to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
In terms of hobbies, Lorch enjoys listening to music and watching movies. He also enjoys playing video games in his spare time. Lorch is a big fan of hip-hop music and often posts about his favorite artists on social media.
Media and Public Perception
Thembinkosi Lorch has been a well-known name in the South African football scene for quite some time now, and his performances on the pitch have earned him a lot of media attention. He has been praised for his attacking abilities, particularly his speed and agility on the ball. As a result, he has been featured in numerous articles and interviews, both in print and online media.
Lorch’s public perception is generally positive, with many fans and analysts praising his skills and contributions to the sport. He has been described as a hard-working player who is always willing to put in the effort to help his team succeed. His dedication to the sport has also been noted, with many people commenting on his commitment to training and improving his skills.
Despite his positive reputation, Lorch has also faced some criticism from fans and analysts. Some have questioned his consistency on the pitch, noting that he sometimes struggles to maintain his form over the course of a season. Others have criticized his decision making, particularly in high-pressure situations where he has been known to make mistakes.
Overall, Thembinkosi Lorch’s media and public perception is largely positive, with many people recognizing his talent and potential as a player. While he has faced some criticism and scrutiny, he remains a popular figure in South African football, and his performances on the pitch continue to generate attention and praise from fans and analysts alike.
Future Prospects
Thembinkosi Lorch has already established himself as one of the most talented players in South African football. He has demonstrated his ability to score goals, create chances, and make a difference in big games.
At the age of 30, Lorch still has several years of top-level football ahead of him. He has already achieved a great deal in his career, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. With the right coaching and development, he could become even more of a force to be reckoned with on the pitch.
In the short term, Lorch will be looking to help Mamelodi Sundowns win more trophies. The club has a strong squad and is always a contender for silverware. Lorch’s versatility and skill make him a valuable asset to the team, and he will be hoping to play a key role in their success.
Looking further ahead, Lorch could potentially attract interest from overseas clubs. His performances in the South African Premier Soccer League have not gone unnoticed, and he has already been linked with moves to Europe. If he continues to impress, he could be a target for teams in top leagues such as the English Premier League or the Spanish La Liga.
Overall, Thembinkosi Lorch has a bright future in football. He has already achieved a great deal, but there is still plenty of potential for him to fulfill. With his skill, determination, and work ethic, he could go on to become one of the greatest players in South African football history.